The U.S. Student Movement: A Cross-Cultural and Historical Perspective.

Vaughn, Harold A.

Whereas past campus revolts in America were concerned with on-campus issues, the present student movement is political, and must be understood as such. Much of the student unrest has resulted from the belief of students that the system is not truly representative and unjustly excludes them from the decision-making process; normal political processes are not functioning; and the democratic process is too slow in bringing about urgently needed reform. Max Frankel, George Kennan, Seymour Lipset, Lewis Feuer, Robert Hutchins, Margaret Mead, and Pitrim Soroken have offered various interpretations of the causes and implications of student unrest. American student unrest is comparable to 19th century student movements in Russia and Germany, and to more current movements in France and other countries. Placed in historical and cross-cultural perspective, the US student movement appears less radical, less violent, and less extreme. Much of the conflict in American universities has focused on the role of the university in society. As an institution, however, the university must undertake the resolution of problems directly related to its educational and parietal role, and must minimize sources of conflict that are social and political in nature. The university's future depends upon the way it meets these challenges. (DS)